Arsenal Wins 5-1

After a draw and two disheartening losses in a row, the Gunners returned to form at the Emirates and pulled off a complete destruction of West Ham in a must win situation. While it was a resounding victory that included 70% possession, 22 shots to 9 and 13 corners to 5, it didn't start as Wenger would have hoped. In the 17th minute, a West Ham corner was not headed out sufficiently by Giroud and Jack Collison sent a scorcher past a helpless Szczesny. But Arsenal were level within five minutes as Podolski sent an even more impressive shot in from 20 or so yards out into the corner of the net. It was just the beginning for the German international, who added three assists in a blistering 12 minute span of the second half that put the game away (including passing up a clear chance for a brace slotting the ball across to Cazorla, who rolled the ball in with a nifty back foot finish). Giroud added two more, first pushing Arsenal ahead with a nice run to the near post on a short Walcott corner that he slammed off Jaaskelainen and in and then adding the fifth after yet another cross from Pod. Pod also set up Walcott from the left, with the newly resigned winger finishing strongly at the near post. 

It was a necessary and impressive victory for Arsenal, who now move a point off fifth (Everton) and four off fourth place (Tottenham) with 15 matches to play.  The flow of passing and interchanges were impressive throughout and everyone contributed. Cazorla had another good game, including the goal. Giroud had two goals and the assist to the assist, as well as controlling, holding up and distributing balls consistently. Podolski was the star of the day and Ramsey again showed real improvement after his horrific start to the season. Gibbs was strong in the back and forged forward on numerous occasions. His speed and tackling ability appear to improve with each game and few left backs in the league have his dribbling abilities. Sagna was more solid on the right and Wilshire made run after run, though he does have to learn that he is not good enough to beat three and four defenders on the dribble. And the back line handled the occasional pressure with aplomb, after ceding the early goal.

The most positive aspect of the game, besides the three points, was the effort level, which was consistent from the start until the 102nd minute (12 minutes extra time because of a long stoppage after Daniel Potts was knocked out on the pitch). Arsenal pressed all over the field, broke up West Ham attacks and pushed forward with intent throughout. The game again begs the question of why Arsenal so often don't show up early in games and how they can ever go 90 minutes without a goal. Yet if Giroud gets back in form, Walcott keeps contributing and Cazorla and Wilshire continue to create from the middle forward, this could be the beginning of a nice run for the Gunners. It is clear that we still need to pick up some players and Wenger actually ended his post-match conference early claiming he had some transfer work to do (one wonders if it has to do with Diame, who is rumored to be on his way as backup to Diaby). The most promising news of the window is our pursuit of Cavani and this could be the sort of boost that keep the pressure on Tottenham and a Chelsea team that looks increasingly lost (one really has to wonder if Abramovich hasn't undermined the team this year by sacking De Matteo and putting in Benitez, as they have now failed in four opportunities at silverware and only really have the FA Cup and maybe Europa league left as possibilities). Next up is Brighton in the FA Cup and then tough home matches against a surging Liverpool and resilient Stoke. Three more victories on the bounce, however, could start to right the ship.